May 22, 2019

A new project bringing retail and lofts to the east side of downtown has taken a big step forward, as an older building is being removed on the north end of the property.

The building owned by Larry Howe that used to be a fabrication shop was demolished today.

That clears the way for a renovated and expanded two-story building known as the East Bank Depot.

“We’re going to have two loft apartments on the second floor, and they’re going to be about 1,400 square feet, so they’re not going to be small, and we’re going to do them nice,” Howe said.

Howe, who also owns plumbing, heating and cooling business Howe Inc., bought the building in the early 1980s from Chicago & North Western Railway, which became a tenant.

The railroad, now BNSF Railway, has moved out.

“We’re going to move full speed ahead,” Howe said.

The renovated space will include 6,000 square feet of retail and offices along the lower level, with room for up to six businesses.

That space is listed for lease with Mark Vellinga.

“Mark has had a company that wants one of the spaces already, so we’ve got some interest, but we really want to start cranking it up,” Howe said.

“Once this Arc of Dreams is up, I think there are going to be a lot of people coming to that side of the city.”